MACOMB, Ill.- The Leathernecks (8-4) capped off 2017 with a 91-57 win over Lincoln Christian (4-10) on Dec. 31 on their home court.

Five Leatherneck players ended in double figures (Dalan Ancrum-17, C.J. Duff-16, Brandon Gilbeck-16, Kobe Webster-13, Jalen Morgan-12) and the WIU defense held the Red Lions to 28.6 percent from the field.

"I'm proud of the way our guys responded in the second half. At halftime we identified some things that we needed to do better. Our guys came out and executed very well, specifically on the defensive end," said head coach Billy Wright. " Offensively, we took better care of the ball and it was good to see a balanced attack with multiple guys in double figures."
 
Western started the game on a 7-0 run that began with a 3-pointer from Kobe Webster and two Gilbeck buckets in the paint. Gilbeck scored four of the first six field goals for the Leathernecks, as Webster netted the other two. Isaac Johnson came in midway through the first half and put in two back-to-back layups and a jumper that built the 13-point Leatherneck lead.
 
Although Ancrum ended with a game-high 17 points, he did not score until the 4:03 mark the first half, when he hit a jumper on the wing. Ancrum found Duff with 90 ticks remaining in the half that stopped the Lincoln Christian 6-point run.
 
Webster found Ancrum and Duff within the first minute and a half of the second half for five quick Leatherneck points. Up 59-43 with 12:47 in the second half, the Leathernecks pushed a 16-point lead to 29 as WIU went on a 15-0 run.
 
The Red Lions did not make a 2-point basket until 4:53 in the second half. Western ended the game on a 8-1 run completed by six Jalen Morgan points and a pair from Lynrick Moxey.
 
The Leathernecks head to Vermillion, S.D. for their first Summit League tilt on Jan. 3.
 
GAME NOTES:
- Leathernecks held the Red Lions to zero fast break points and zero second chance points
- WIU scored 38 points in the paint
- Western never trailed in the contest
- Leathernecks went 9-of-9 from the free throw line
- C.J. Duff had a season-high 16 points
- Gilbeck ended with 16 points and 12 rebounds, his fourth double-double this season
- Lincoln Christian made for 3-pointers (10) than 2-point baskets (8)